Chatham, ON; October 20, 2026
Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance (K&E) is proud to recognize five graduating students through its 2026 scholarship program, celebrating the many ways they are already making a difference in the communities around them.
Orlagh Grochmal of Chatham, Serena Zhang of Windsor, Henry Heaton of Leamington, Lauryn Smith of Essex and Lily Dufour of LaSalle are among the five young people selected from across the communities K&E serves.
K&E’s annual scholarship program supports graduating high school students from Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex who are pursuing full-time post-secondary education.
This year’s scholarship program placed a special focus on volunteerism, inviting students to reflect on the organizations they support, the impact of their service and how giving back has shaped their goals and personal values.
Together, the recipients demonstrate that community impact can take many forms — from developing a new fundraising initiative and supporting local organizations to offering reassurance to someone during a difficult moment.
Orlagh Grochmal— Windsor
For the past several years, Grochmal has volunteered weekly at St. Angela Merici Catholic School, assisting in the school library and working one-on-one with Grade 1 students who needed a little extra help. Through those interactions, she has provided encouragement and support during an important stage in their learning.
Her commitment to young people extends beyond the classroom. As a volunteer coach with the Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club, Grochmal helps young athletes develop their skills and confidence while contributing to accessible local sport programming.
For Grochmal, the scholarship will provide support as she prepares for her next chapter at Western University, where she will study psychology.
“I am so grateful to Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance for providing this scholarship, as it helps me get one step closer to graduating with minimal debt,” said Grochmal. “I especially appreciate having the support of a local business and the community as I start my degree in the fall.”
Serena Zhang — Windsor
A graduate of Vincent Massey Secondary School, Serena Zhang has completed more than 400 volunteer hours while finding ways to connect her personal interests with causes that matter to her.
Drawing on her musical background and interest in neurological health, Zhang organized a solo piano recital to raise funds for the Windsor-Essex chapter of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, turning a personal strength into an opportunity to raise awareness and give back.
She also volunteers weekly in the Emergency Department at Windsor Regional Hospital, helping patients navigate the hospital, responding to their needs and providing reassurance during moments of uncertainty.
As Zhang prepares for post-secondary education, she says K&E’s scholarship will help her focus on what comes next.
“Receiving the Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance Scholarship has made a meaningful difference in my educational journey,” said Zhang. “It has eased some of the financial pressure of pursuing my studies, allowing me to focus more on my academics and personal growth. I am grateful for the support and confidence this scholarship represents, and it motivates me to continue working hard and making the most of the opportunities ahead.”
Henry Heaton — Leamington
For Henry Heaton, a graduate of Leamington District Secondary School, volunteering has been about contributing to the community that has been part of his life since childhood.
Heaton has completed more than 200 volunteer hours with organizations including the Kingsville Knights of Columbus, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, the Royal Canadian Legion, Rotary Club and LDSS Eco Camp.
He frequently takes on physically demanding jobs, helping older volunteers continue their own contributions to longstanding community organizations. His service has also included supporting the Legion’s poppy campaign and helping lead a cemetery cleanup project in advance of All Saints’ Day.
“Receiving this scholarship from Kent & Essex Mutual is an absolute honour that will enable me to focus on my full-time course load while training and competing with the University of Windsor Varsity Track & Field Team,” said Heaton.
Lauryn Smith — Essex
A graduate of Essex District High School, Lauryn Smith has demonstrated how an idea can grow into meaningful community action.
Smith co-founded the Essex Fun Fest 5K to raise money for the Essex Area Food Bank. In its first two years, the event raised more than $17,000 to support local families experiencing food insecurity.
She also founded Junior Optimist International (JOI): Sparkle Through the County, a junior optimist club that brings young people together to serve their communities through initiatives including free youth wellness nights, baking cookies for seniors and volunteering at local events.
Through additional leadership roles with JOI, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and the Town of Essex Youth Council, Smith has worked to help other young people find their voices and recognize their own ability to make a difference.
“Volunteering taught me that my community is not just the streets we live in, but a complex web of people who care for, support and show up for each other out of the kindness of their hearts,” Smith wrote in her scholarship application.
For Smith, the recognition also helps bring a long-term educational goal closer within reach.
“Receiving this scholarship helps to make my lifelong education dreams possible,” said Smith. “For many years I have known that attending law school would be the ultimate dream. Being recognized for my community service through this scholarship is truly rewarding and helps to make my academic dreams feel more attainable.”
Lily Dufour — LaSalle
For Sandwich Secondary School graduate Lily Dufour, leadership has meant recognizing when someone needs support and choosing to act.
As a Peer Helper, Dufour has served as a dedicated tutor while also taking on a significant leadership role in organizing the General Brock Student Christmas Party.
Through her work with the Giving Tree project, Dufour focused on ensuring children receiving assistance felt remembered, cared for and valued. Her experience reinforced the power of a community coming together for its youngest members and the lasting impact that support can have, even when the people providing it are never personally recognized.
“We’re incredibly proud to recognize five remarkable young people from across the communities we serve through this year’s scholarship program,” said Kevin Konecny, President & CEO of Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance. “Reading about the many ways they have chosen to give back — supporting neighbours in need, mentoring younger students, volunteering in healthcare, leading community initiatives and lending a hand wherever it’s needed — was truly inspiring.”
“What stood out most was the genuine sense of care behind their efforts. These students understand that strong communities are built by people who show up for one another, and they are already putting that belief into action. We’re honoured to support them as they take the next step in their education, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll continue to make wherever their paths take them.”
Kent & Essex Mutual has supported local education through its scholarship program for more than a decade, awarding more than $75,000 to students to date. The program reflects K&E’s continued commitment to supporting local people and investing in the next generation of community leaders.